Reply from Steven, Child's Age None - 4/22/02 - IP#: 65.32.234.205Hi Everybody, I thought that it might help in this on going debate if I provided a older kid's point of view. I also have the benefit of having talked with quite a few of the kids on this site who share with me things that they dont or wont tell their parents. The simple answer is: You are all correct, at least to a degree. Let me explain. Bob, you are correct in saying that diapers can slow down a child in becoming dry. Some kids have a tendency to get lazy and use the diaper when they could get to the bathroon instead. A number of them have admitted this to me. However' your use of statistics is faulty. The manufacturers of the alarms and other programs use inflated numbers to further their cause and who is to say if an alarm or program was the factor that stopped wetting or if it was just the childs time to stop. Also the polls here are in no way scientific. There have also been some comments about kids becoming attached to their diapers (called infantilism, I think). That is also true since I have encountered a few of them in the chat as well. That being said, the rest of you are also right. The vast majority of the kids have tried just about everything to stop the wetting (I know I have) and for most the only answer is "time". The diaper and wetting is looked upon as an embarrassment and a pain by the wetter but also as the best method of containing the problem until that day arrives. The diaper allows for a good night's sleep, less strife in the family, and the least amount of laundry. If the diaper is to be used; certain approaches should be followed. First, the child should be a part of the decision to use the diaper. Second, the child should be made responsible for the various aspects of its use as soon as possible, ie: changing, laundry, and diaper type. It must be looked upon as a "tool" and nothing more. The diaper should be put on as the last thing before bed and taken off as soon as the child wakes up. Use of the diaper any longer or at times when not absolutely necessary is asking for trouble in the areas of becoming lazy (thereby prolonging) or developing an attachment. Allow input on the part of the child regarding outings and trips. Any changing of the diaper for younger children (or older children with a handicap) by others must be done in a matter of fact way without any associated "babying" (keep it machanical). The "babying" and changing of a child older than an infant can result in the development of an attachment for the diaper. I started changing myself in cloth diapers with pins at age 10. Other cloth diapers with velcro or pull up types can be purchased which would allow the child to take on the responsibility at an even earlier age. The same holds true for disposibles. Remember, allow as much responsibility as possible at as early an age as possible in a matter of fact way. If you do; you will get the benefits of the diaper without the drawbacks. Your children will be happier and want out of them as soon as possible. My thoughts for now. Steven 16 |